Numbers That Could Save Your Life
With the number of mayday situations we’ve been reporting on recently, we were reminded of an essential resource for Pacific cruisers which was put together by South Pacific cruiser (and once-Whitbread skipper) Ewout Mante of the Elliott 45 Bravado. The document contains local and international telephone numbers, plus some email addresses, for Search and Rescue (SAR) coordination centers in nearly all countries of the Pacific Basin. Ewout made it available to this year’s Pacific Puddle Jump fleet and we have just posted it in PDF format to our Puddle Jump website.
Why would cruisers need phone numbers rather than simply calling via SSB and/or VHF? Because more and more successful rescues these days seem to be instituted by cell or sat phones. And unlike simply receiving an EPIRB position, a live call can not only pinpoint a distressed vessel’s location, but also give would-be rescuers crucial info on the nature of the emergency, injuries to crewmembers and other potentially life-saving details.
One number that both inshore and offshore sailors should have on their speed-dial list is Coast Guard Alameda: (510) 437-3700. Of course, in a mayday situation 911 would eventually connect you also, but if things get ugly, a few seconds can make a cruicial difference. For those of you currently cruising Mexico or heading there this fall, the Mexican Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) number is (52) 669-985-3078.
We encourage all readers to have a look at this document, then print out a copy to put in a safe spot in your nav station. And thanks again to Ewout for bringing this essential info to our attention. Be safe out there!